Michigan City, LaPorte County-A driver tried to evade arrest by driving through a parking lot, early this morning, then fleeing on foot before being arrested.

At approximately 12:01 a.m., Thursday, February 21, Senior Trooper Lawrence McFarrin and a Michigan City Police Unit were in the WalMart parking on Franklin Street in Michigan City. A 1999 GMC pick-up, driven by Robert S. Aubin, 26 of LaPorte, passed the two officer at a high rate of speed going west on CR 400 N which has a posted 35 mile-per-hour speed limit. McFarrin exited the parking lot, activating his emergency lights on his police car and tried to pull the pick-up over. The pick-up attempted to evade McFarrin when he re-entered the far west portion of the parking lot, as he continued to accelerate, he was slowed down by an unsuspecting motorist. Aubin passed the motorists in the parking lot on the left and disregarded a stop sign at the northwest corner of the lot. As the pick-up attempted to make a left turn, it lost control and spun to a stop in the accessway to Franklin Street. Aubin exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a thick wooded area. A perimeter was set up around the wooded area and minutes later Aubin was taken into custody without incident.

Heather L. Putz, 27 of LaPorte, was a passenger in the pick-up and stayed inside the vehicle. She was not injured and was cooperative. She was arrested for an outstanding warrant in Lake County.

Arrested and Charges:
Robert S.Aubin-26 of LaPorte
 Driving While Intoxicated (.15% B.A.C.) Misdemeanor
 Driving While Suspended-Prior (Misdemeanor)
 Resisting Law Enforcement with Vehicle (Felony)
 Resisting Law Enforcement (Misdemeanor)
 Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor)
 Wanted on warrants for-(1) Failure to Appear for Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident-Class D Felony out of LaPorte County. (2) Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury-Class A Misdemeanor out of LaPorte City.

Heather L. Putz, 27 of LaPorte
 Wanted on Warrant for Failure to Appear for Driving While Suspended Prior (Misdemeanor) out of Lake Station.

Aubin was taken to LaPorte County Jail and Putz was taken to Lake Station Police Department.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.